09 February 2014

U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Brandon Todd, 20, of Naples, New York, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to making false statements to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer M. Noto, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant called the FBI in April and early May 2013 claiming to have information about sex trafficking.

Todd also claimed to be involved in sex trafficking and to have connections to a group involved in sex trafficking. Following the defendant’s calls, the FBI began an investigation into Todd’s claims.

On July 10, 2013, the defendant made false statements to an FBI special agent that he had recruited approximately 49 girls for a sex trafficking ring and that he was a member of a gang. At the time, Todd knew that these statements were false.

These false statements—concerning the nature of the defendant’s involvement in a sex trafficking ring and his affiliation with a gang—were material to the FBI’s investigation.

The plea is the culmination of an investigation on the part of special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian Boetig.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 15, 2014, at 3:30 p.m. before Judge Geraci.